Patrik Laine's historic 15-game point streak has come to an end in heartbreaking fashion.
Winnipeg's standout forward left Tuesday's game against the Kings after taking a shot to the ankle in the second period. Laine appeared to struggle bearing weight on the injured ankle and needed help walking to the locker room.
The Jets announced Laine wouldn't return to the game due to a lower-body injury, confirming that the longest active point streak in the league had run its course.
When the #NHLJets said @PatrikLaine29 is done for the night. #LAKvsWPG pic.twitter.com/8ildGO3WEH
— ChrisD.ca (@ChrisDca) March 21, 2018
Though it's an awful way see his streak end, the Finland-native secured his spot in the NHL record books prior to the injury. His 15-game run was the longest point streak by a teenager in league history, surpassing Nathan MacKinnon's 13-game stretch in the 2013-14 season.
Laine also lost ground in the NHL's scoring race. After entering the night tied at 43 goals, Laine now trails Washington's Alex Ovechkin by one for the league-lead. Ovechkin notched his 44th tally of the year against the Stars in the Capitals' 4-3 victory Tuesday.
The Jets cut it close but managed to pull off a 2-1 overtime win over the Kings in Laine's absence, improving to 44-19-10 and setting a franchise record for regular season wins.
That was one for the books!#NHLJets establish franchise record for most wins in a season with tonight's W! pic.twitter.com/z7VjxvJzlr
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) March 21, 2018
Head coach Paul Maurice said after game Laine's injury is "nothing sinister" and the team doesn't believe it will be long-term.
Paul Maurice doesn’t believe that Patrik Laine’s injury is long term. Laine has been checked out by doctors and there is “nothing sinister”.
— Sara Orlesky (@saraorlesky) March 21, 2018